Disclaimer: don't own them, just wish that I did. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien…
A/N: hi there! Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews again, I really love them! Ok, you know I'm not a doctor, nor am I Tolkien, so if you think the characters act (a little) off, please forgive me for taking the liberty with them. Enjoy! :)
'Replies' to reviewers:
Mornflower: hmm… well, you should actually see this story more as something for Estel to his father with perhaps some small gap fillers by the twins. As for whether those two elves will be all right, you'll just have to wait for Estel to find out. ;) Glad you're enjoying this story so much. LOL
HarryEstel: thank you! I always hope to surprise some people at least once in a while. Enjoy! :D
Blue Autumn Sky: yes! I was unpredictable for once! Legolas will be in this story as well, but he'll just have a really small role – after all this story is only four chapters.
Elven Kitten: good guessing then, but I guess the title may have given it away to those thoughtful people ;). Ah well, luckily Estel has his family and friends to be there for him when authors and EDdies are nasty to him. Enjoy!
tmelange: hope you like where this is going to, enjoy!
hamsterjuice: I love it too that the orcs are so stupid. Evil dudes with a brain however are nice as well, but they're so much more difficult to handle. As for the dogs… LOL!
shadowfaxgal7: well, if you have a baby at home perhaps you could learn one of those dogs to get the bottle for you LOL! Hmm… unless they would want to drink the milk then the entire time – don't I know that's how it goes with my sister's dog and baby. I'm not too terribly fond of bees either, unless they are bumblebees – they're really soft. ,') Hmm… as for the twins: when Estel finds out how his brothers are, so will you – sorry about that. Hmm… you love twins angst? Perhaps I should give Estel a holiday for just one story and turn my attention on them…
lindahoyland: glad you like it so much and hope you'll keep doing that!
Velvet12: thank you so much for the review! Hope you like this chapter as well! :D
Kathleen LaCorneille: why, thank you for your kind words! LOL I have sort of a plot bunny that's been bugging me for nearly a year now. It's grown so big now that I put it down on the laptop, but it still needs some work. It's not related to this story however, but does feature Beorn and Estel – even Glorfindel! As for the twins… well – Estel and Beorn don't know what happened to them, but when they find out you will as well. evil grin
grumpy: I like the big guy too, though he really should learn to work on his manners sometimes… He can be quite frightening for little kids… ;)
Nietta: well, Estel wasn't all too sure about Beorn either, say… have you ever read the Hobbit? Hmm… my sister's dog has her own mind as well – I tell you, she thinks she's a human and she refuses to do tricks unless you have a really nice treat in return… :)
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Chapter 3
When next Estel woke, the fire was no longer burning, but it wasn't cold either. The sun sent several of her warm rays down on him via the windows high in the walls. Again there was no sign of Beorn…
When he turned his face, the boy found himself to be eye to eye with a black ram. On its back was a tray with nuts, fruits and again slices of bread covered in honey and some with cream. A glass of milk made the meal complete.
"Hello there," Estel said to it, "I assume Beorn wants me to eat this?"
The ram cocked its head and bleated twice.
Estel smiled, "I'll take that as a 'yes'. Have you seen him by any chance?" He wanted to rise, but as soon as he tried – wincing at the effort – the ram cocked its head and pressed its snout against the boy's chest, forcing him to stay down. "Well, I would stay down, you know, but I can't eat this while lying flat on my back."
The animal seemed to understand him and bleated several times. The noise attracted one of the dogs, which, upon seeing the small human stubbornly wanting to get up barked at the ram before running off.
Estel looked at the ram, nearly shooting the overly worried animal a scathing look. The black beast kept pressing him down and looking at him with disapproving eyes. "I wouldn't be surprised if you've learned that look from my Ada…" he angrily muttered.
"Alas! He has never met Elrond before since your father doesn't travel our way anymore and we… we don't leave our home either," a deep voice suddenly said. Seeing his ram pressing down the child, Beorn hurried over – only needing to take several huge steps before standing next to the bed. The man quickly stroked the animal's head and smiled at the boy, "And now I find you talking to my animals as if you could really understand them!" Beorn laughed out loud at the idea but quickly stopped seeing the scolding look the ram sent him and the hurt look passing over the boy's face. The beast bared its teeth and seemed to hiss at its master before turning around and gently licking the child's hand – comforting him.
Estel turned his head to the other side – not wanting to be reminded of his helplessness or his stupidity for trying things he could never achieve; first trying to walk on snow back home as if he were an elf and now this!
Beorn sighed impatiently. The boy had taken his words too hard, though thinking back he frowned at the way he had said it. Obviously he was not skilled in dealing with small distraught humans and this one had a lot on his young mind. The giant bent down so he was eye level with Estel and gently turned the small head his way. "I'm sorry, Estel. For what good it does you I can tell you that, though not in the same manner as I can talk with the animals, you have your own way. See how the ram defends you? If I'm not careful you'll steal the hearts of all my animals, lad!"
Estel turned his gaze on the ram which was once again sending scornful looks the man's way. Gently patting its head, he calmed his small defender. "It's all right. No need to get upset on my account…"
The black beast once more looked at the child, determining for itself whether he was truly all right.
"I really am sorry, Estel. I didn't mean to sound so condescending – mean," he clarified seeing the confused look.
Estel sighed, some part of his mind realized that he was overreacting and that the giant hadn't meant to hurt his feelings, but another part of his mind screamed at him that he was a failure. Looking at the ram again this latter voice was silenced and he smiled wryly. "It's all right…" was all he said.
Once more Beorn helped Estel up in a sitting position, muttering under his breath about over anxious sheep delivering breakfast too early for eager little boys. Beorn took the platter from the ram, but the animal didn't leave – instead watching. Estel smiled a true smile as he saw how tenacious the critter was.
"Well, little chap, you've found another protector it would seem," the man said as he handed the platter over.
Once Estel had eaten his fill, Beorn laid the empty platter on the rams back again, making odd clucking noises. Estel watched as the animal hesitated between staying and doing as its master ordered, but in the end it left – sulking like a disappointed child if such a thing could be said.
Next followed a quick check-up; Beorn checked the colour of the bruises and carefully laid one hand against Estel's ribs. The cuts were healing nicely – no poison or infection – and the wrist was still secure in its package. "All looking slightly better… Your father will know when to remove this," he carefully tapped the hardened gauze, "so don't worry about it."
Beorn clapped his hands twice and this time, a white sheep appeared covered in something of the same colour. When it came closer Estel could see that the white thing was a woollen sweater – his size!
Beorn quickly looked at Estel's face before taking the sweater and quickly giving it to the child. "You can't be traipsing round Mirkwood half naked, so my sheep and I made this for you. It's not as fancy as elven clothes, but it'll keep you warm…"
Touching the sweater, Estel was surprised to find it didn't feel itchy or tickly. Gratitude was in his eyes and he awkwardly hugged his saviour – though gruff he may be! Someone who had taken the time to knit this sweater together just for him couldn't be that bad! "Thank you!" he said, feeling huge arms gently wrap around him in return.
Harrumphing, Beorn helped Estel into the warmth of the sweater, taking great care that the boy's arms didn't reach too high and pull at his ribs. It easily slid over Estel's bandaged wrist and the boy smiled widely – it was so soft and warm! Here was a man he hardly knew, who had saved him from the terror and tortures of orcs and had then given him such a wonderful present!
Helping the boy up further until he was standing up, Beorn just pointed in one direction – seeing the boy looking around and moving from one foot to the other. "Over there," was all he said.
Cheeks flushing, Estel followed this direction – returning several minutes later with a sheepish but relieved look on his face.
"Do you feel ready for travel?"
Estel bit his lip – the sooner they started the sooner he would be reunited with his brothers! So he nodded.
Beorn packed several things in a small bag – dried fruits, nuts and many honey baked cakes he had made himself for along the way. For Estel he also packed a cloak to wear when the day grew cooler; it had once belonged to his own son, but his boy hadn't fit in it for years already! He didn't need one for himself for he wasn't bothered by the cold as much.
Checking Estel over to make sure he was packed warmly and would be all right, the huge man slung the sack over his shoulder. "Well, let's go then!"
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When Estel stepped outside, he took in his first view of Beorn's home. Many sheep walked on the grass – the black ram amongst them and more huge bees were busily buzzing around his head. The youngster still feared that the winged insects would sting him and he hurriedly stepped closer to the huge man – walking faster than he would have liked to keep up with him.
"They won't hurt you, lad!" the other said gruffly, though he couldn't keep a little warmth out of his voice, "None of my animals will hurt you, look…" And he held out one finger. It only took a moment before one of the huge insects landed on it and then Beorn moved his hand in front of Estel's face.
Estel held his breath as the loud buzz came closer to his ears, but in the end he quickly resumed breathing and nodded – watching the black and yellow insect fly away to continue whatever it had been doing at the moment.
All of a sudden he found himself surrounded by the other animals – the sheep and the dogs – all curious to discover their master's charge. Estel smiled and petted some, but all too soon he was gently dragged away, much to the disappointment of the next sheep about to be petted.
"They never behave like that!" Beorn said, once again acting grumpy, though this time Estel could see the jesting twinkle in the man's eyes. As soon as the two neared the fence surrounding Beorn's lands a brown pony trotted up to them, butting its head against its master's shoulder and whinnying.
Beorn replied in its fashion – giving the animal his reply, "He wanted to know if you were leaving us so soon already…"
Studying the horse, Estel shook his head, "But I've never seen him before!"
The older man just patted his head. "He's seen me entering that first day with you in my arms. He's been asking about you every time I set foot outside – here again! Whether they sense your connection with elves or something else I don't know, but you have a way with them!"
Estel walked up to the pony and stroked its soft nose. Intelligent eyes stares back at him and the boy patted its head. "Nice of you to ask about me. I'm sorry I didn't meet you before, such a magnificent animal – I can tell!" And he proudly puffed his chest.
The animal raised its head as high as it could and quickly jumped from one leg to the other – agreeing with that last statement.
Beorn shook his head, "We'd better get going now. My animals can manage without me for a while so not to worry!" under his breath – too soft for the boy to hear he muttered, "Better go now before they all grow unbearable cocky from the attention!"
Estel gave one last stroke to the pony's head and said a quick farewell before following his larger companion.
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When later in the day Estel stumbled more and more, Beorn took pity on him and carefully lifted him on his shoulders – taking care not to walk under any branches that reached too low. Having been assured several times that his brothers were all right and that he would see them soon the child chatted about all kinds of things: how wonderful his family was, how magnificent Beorn's animals were and how great his honey tasted – he'd never tasted better! In turn, the giant patiently listened, occasionally interjecting a remark here and a question there. The boy was coping well with all that had happened to him and he hoped the twins were all right indeed. They were bound to be worried – having never met him personally before and not knowing where to look for their little brother.
Estel was impressed by the swiftness of their travel, for every one step of Beorn he would surely have to take at least four! How far did they have to go further? "Beorn? Where will you take me exactly and when do you think we'll reach it?"
Shifting his grip on the boy slightly, Beorn kept walking. "To the palace of Mirkwood and I think we'll arrive there somewhere tomorrow. Elladan and Elrohir will surely go to King Thranduil to ask for aide in searching for you. Have you ever met his son by any chance?"
Estel nodded before remembering the other couldn't see this, "Yes, he once came to Imladris and spent some time with us! He's really good with a bow, did you know that? Have you ever met him?"
"As a matter of fact, I have, though he will not recognize me if he sees me again. It was a long time ago and I looked somewhat… 'different' than I do now…" Beorn smiled as he thought of that time. The young prince had tried to run away from home and had reached the southern borders of the forest when a party of goblins had surrounded the poor elfling. Hating the creatures with all his heart, Beorn had decided to help him, scaring the youngster in the process. Not too long after he had killed the creatures, a party of elves had arrived – out of breath from their quick travel. Thranduil had been amongst them and he had scolded the young elf for running off like that, but Legolas hadn't paid it any heed. He had just flung himself at his father and hugged him tight – realizing it had been indeed a stupid thing to do and glad that his father would safely take him home. Thranduil had spotted Beorn then and even recognized him, though he never told Legolas the identity of his rescuer. The king just nodded at him with gratitude in his eyes and Beorn had left quietly.
As the day passed the young human grew quiet until finally, Beorn could feel the small body on his shoulders slump to one side in sleep. Reaching awkwardly behind him, he took Estel down and held him in his arms instead.
It was nearing night when the huge man decided it was safer if they stayed in a tree during the night. Mirkwood was a dangerous place – not only orcs and goblins roamed around in search of prey, there were many other dangerous creatures that one could better avoid. If he had been alone, Beorn would have travelled all night long as well – not afraid of them, yet now he had a small human to protect!
Estel woke at their sudden stop and blearily looked around. His surroundings didn't look familiar to him, nor did the huge arms he was in feel familiar, but he was unafraid. "Where are we?" he muttered sleepily.
Beorn hushed him, "We're still south of the forest road… Do you think you could climb up this tree with my help?"
Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Estel looked at the tree with apprehension. Surely Beorn didn't plan on them sleeping up in a tree tonight – did he? "Are we going to sleep up there?"
Sensing what worried the boy Beorn rested one hand on his shoulder and gently squeezed it. "You will sleep. I'll just make sure you won't fall down."
"But won't you need to sleep?" the young human worriedly asked.
Beorn harrumphed and shook his head, "I don't need much sleep, laddie. I can easily do a night without…"
Assured now, Estel nodded and a moment later the odd pair found them selves safe up in the tree – Estel resting against Beorn's chest and the man himself sitting against the tree. He took the sack from his back and took out the cloak he had stuffed in earlier – tucking it around the child to ward of the night's chill. Then he got out several honey cakes, handing two to Estel as well as several dried pieces of fruit. "Eat up and then to sleep with you, little chap." The older man also handed him a wooden bottle with water.
Not long after that Beorn found himself with a sleeping youngster in his arms, waiting for the sun to rise again…
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TBC
Please review? I'd really appreciate it… :)